Dangerous Astronomy Questions
Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- In the poem, what does the father feel is his duty to his family? How can you tell? Does he fulfill his duty? Why or why not?
- Do you think this poem suggests that different genders experience romantic love and family love differently? Why or why not?
- How does the miniature drama in "Dangerous Astronomy" suggest that life teaches us important lessons with hardship and frustration?
- Does this poem suggest that certain family roles are more important than others? Do you agree or disagree? Are there certain roles that only one gender can take on successfully?
- The speaker in "Dangerous Astronomy" is tangled in several conflicting feelings. Do you think the poem suggests that love and competition are intertwined with each other? How does the speaker of the poem resolve his internal conflict of wanting to both love and compete with his son?
- Why do you think the speaker wants to go out and praise the stars? Is this a good or a bad thing?
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